Nevertheless, the Graz camp knows how to "properly assess" the defeat. "The truth is that we have a 10-million-euro budget and LASK has one over 50 million," coach Ferdinand Feldhofer calculates.
Furthermore, GAK "has quite a few new faces, and LASK doesn't have as many. These are facts, not excuses," says the Styrian. "LASK didn't become double winner for nothing."
At the same time, Feldhofer emphasizes: "But I'm not happy with the performance."
Maderner echoes a similar sentiment: "We know we can do better. But you can lose here, that's okay."
"Sich von der ersten Minute an reindrücken zu lassen, haben wir uns nicht vorgenommen."
Michorl stunned
Michorl, however, counters: "You can lose, but we imagined the 'how' differently. Before the game, we said that we know who the favorite is. But we didn't intend to let ourselves be pushed back from the first minute."
The slight hint of resignation heard from individual Graz players after the defeat in Linz also stems from the fact that the starting eleven more or less picked itself on Friday, according to Feldhofer.
Only in attack could he have chosen a different approach with Mark Grosse. Ultimately, the 46-year-old opted for the powerful duo of Maderner and Alexander Hofleitner, "because they are extremely tall and good at set-pieces. We hoped that with the two of them we would find the right answer or perhaps even score a goal," said Feldhofer.
Feldhofer no longer wants to comment on the squad
Until his squad receives the necessary reinforcements, the GAK coach must still show patience. The "Rotjacken" can currently only sign Austrian players, as there are already too many foreign players in the squad.
Thus, on Friday, Moroccan newcomer Ismael Guerti had to stay in Graz so as not to violate the rules of the "Austrian pot" (a quota for domestic players). Instead, Feldhofer put two only 16-year-old homegrown players, Christoph Hasenhüttl and Felix Baumgartner, on the bench.
The topic of transfers is currently a delicate one at GAK. Asked about it, Feldhofer replied on Friday: "I don't want to say anything more about the squad because I want to focus on my players and not on contingencies."
"It will be difficult against any opponent like this"
The positive news for GAK is that a good chance for rehabilitation awaits next round with a home match against promoted team Austria Lustenau. "Next week, an opponent of our caliber is coming, and we want to show what potential we have," Michorl promises.
At the same time, Maderner warns: "Today, no player reached his maximum, so it will be difficult against any opponent. You have to push yourself to your limits in this league; only then can you secure three points."
